1. 1.1.

INTRODUCTION General Description of Dual Band Network Dual band GSM900/1800 network operation is specified in the ETSI multiband operation specification GSM03.26. There is no difference between a single band GSM900 or GSM1800 network and a dual band network for the end-user. The dual band network of a single operator appears as a single PLMN to the subscribers using dual band mobiles. However, support for dual band operation in the MSC and the BSS is required.
Single band GSM 999 MS 9999 999 9999 Dual band MS Dual band MS 999 9999 999 999 9999

900 and 1 800 in separate cells

900 and 1 800 in same cell with common BCCH

Figure 1: Single band and dual band mobile operation in a dual band network. The network is able to distinguish the mobiles (GSM900 mobile, GSM1800 mobile, dual band mobile) by the mobiles Classmark 3 (CM3). The contents of this message indicate to the NW which bands the mobile is capable of operating in and its output power capability in those bands. Classmark 3 information is stored in MSC (requires MSC support). The GSM900 and GSM1800 bands can be in separate cells, i.e. separate BCCH is required, or in the same cell, as shown in Figure 1. The dual band mobiles are informed of the neighbouring cells in the other band using the system information messages 2ter in idle mode and 5ter during a call. These messages are ignored by single band mobiles. The dual band mobiles are capable of handovers between the 900 and 1800 bands. The used band can not be selected by the user of a dual band mobile (except with some test mobiles). 1.2. Coverage Difference between GSM900 and GSM1800 Signals

The higher frequency of the GSM1800 system means that the attenuation of the signal with distance is higher, and hence the range of the GSM1800 is lower than that of GSM900. In addition, the building penetration loss is higher for GSM1800. Thus, the indoor coverage from outdoors is worse than with the GSM900 system (although there may be some special cases where due to building construction, for example window sizes, GSM1800 may have a better penetration). There are some other factors to affect the performance of GSM900 vs. GSM1800. Typical values are listed in the Table below: Table 1. Power Budget for GSM900 and GSM1800. Mobile TX power Mobile Sensitivity * Mobile Antenna Gain BTS Power at BTS antenna connector** BTS RX Sensitivity ** BTS Antenna Gain Micro Omni Macro Sectorized BTS Antenna Cable Attn (100m, 7/8) * ** GSM900 2W (33dBm) -102dBm 0dBi 10W (40 dBm) -109 +/-2 dBm 8dBi 15dBi 4,0dB GSM1800 1W (30dBm) -102dBm (100) 0dBi 10W (40 dBm) -109 +/-2 dBm 10dBi 17dBi 6,7dB

GSM specification value Typical value for Nokia Talk Family BTS

The figures below show typical ranges for GSM900 and GSM1800 macro sites in dense urban and rural environments (using data from above table).

6,0 5,0 Distance /km 4,0 3,0 2 ,0 1 ,0 0 ,0 0 ,4 0 ,5 0 ,6 0 ,7 0 ,8 0 ,9 1 Outdoor Location Probability 2 ,5 2 ,0 Distance /km 1 ,5 1 ,0 0 ,5 0 ,0 0 ,4 0 ,5 0 ,6 0 ,7 0 ,8 0 ,9 Indoor Location Probability 1 1 800 MHz 1 800 MHz 900 MHz

900 MHz

Figure 2.
30 ,0 2 5,0 Distance /km 2 0 ,0 1 5,0 1 0 ,0 5,0 0 ,0 0 ,4

Typical Cell Ranges for Dense Urban Macro Sites.

900 MHz

1 800 MHz

0 ,5 0 ,6 0 ,7 0 ,8 0 ,9 Outdoor Location Probability

Figure 3.

Typical Cell Ranges for Rural Macro Sites.

1.3.

Dual Band Network Planning and Optimisation The dual band network planning doesnt differ much from the normal network planning procedure. The planning procedure starts from choosing the right capacity evolution plan for the far future. What kind of capacity evolution plan to choose and how to implement the dual band network, depends highly on the following facts: The current network situation The amount of subscribers / traffic Available bandwidth Other capacity features used Microcells Separate indoor coverage Vendor specific Solution Room in the current site places Single band MS penetration Locations of the existing sites The coming Dual band network Single / multi vendor Available bandwidth for different bands Expected traffic growth Dual band MS penetration Importance of the new data services (HSCSD, GPRS) Cost of the network Two basic capacity evolution approaches to implement Dual Band can be chosen by an operator: The Operator wants to provide a complete coverage with the GSM1800 band; The Operator wants to use the GSM1800 band to provide additional capacity where needed, like in traffic hot spots, microcells or indoors. The difference is relevant in term of costs. The second solution is more costefficient if no constraints are given in the license. GSM1800 implies a more cost-effective network in the regions of a high traffic density, but a higher cost when providing a basic coverage. The GSM900 network provides the wide area coverage while GSM1800 is seen as an efficient capacity extension where it is required. If the original GSM900 network is highly interference limited, the new GSM1800 network might have a wider coverage in interference sense than the GSM900 network. However, as mentioned earlier, only to consider the dual band network growth is not enough but more important is to compose a complete capacity evolution package, including other capacity features, new data services, expected traffic growth, etc. After choosing the right capacity evolution plan, including the most suitable DB scenario (hot spot coverage, continuous coverage, micro cells, etc.) a correct traffic management strategy must be chosen. How to choose the right traffic management strategy depends on the following facts: Single / dual band MS penetration

 Network structure: GSM900/1800 macro cells, GSM900/1800 micro cells, indoor cells Expectation of the data traffic (HSCSD, GPRS) Single / multi vendor network (available traffic management features). The traffic management strategy can be chosen also during the parameterisation process. After, the normal planning procedure will proceed, including the capacity planning (TRX/site amounts), the frequency planning, the parameter planning and the optimisation. 2. 2.1. DUAL BAND EQUIPMENT Recommended Software Versions Vendor specific- Software should support the Dual Band Functionality. 2.2. BTS The Dual Band BTSs may be used to implement a GSM900/1800 dual band network. All hardware except the RF parts is common between the parts of the different bands. Also the same software can be used for 900 and 1800 systems. Different Dual Band BTSs offer the following advantages: Fast and easy rollout Cost savings Follows Dual Band terminal penetration Shifts capacity between 900 and 1800 Fewer units = longer MTBF Common O&M Signalling Link -> Savings in transmission Operationally Fewer BTS to handle Faster SW downloads Synchronous handovers. Base Station offers a new high capacity solution for flexible dual band operation. It has the following properties: Size Capacity, smooth expansion Supports GSM900/1800/1900 systems. When dual band, number of GSM 900/1800 TRXs can be freely selected Free selectable omni and Sectorized configurations Speech services Supports FR/HR/EFR Adaptive Multi rate (AMR) available later Data services GSM data 2,4k/4,8k/9,6k/14.4k/HSCSD GPRS available later

2.3. 2.4.

GSM900 / 1800 Diplexers and Antennas DB Site Solutions and Antenna Configurations A complete BTS Site Solution consists of BTS Antennas and feeders Diplexers Cellular Transmission Other Site Solution material and equipment. A specific BTS Site Configuration program will be used to select easily the right components to compose the site, to make the order for the components and calculate the price. The DB antenna/diplexer solutions will be available and presented in the Configuration as well. The following DB site configurations are currently recommended:

DB Site Configuration 1

GSM 999

GSM 9999
Single band dual polarisation antenna

MHAs optional Main Div.

GSM 999
Single band antenna

GSM 9999

MHAs optional Main Div.

DB BTS or Separate BTSs

Figure 4. Site configuration 1. This site configuration can be realised now with the current antenna solutions. The good and bad points of the solution are the following: Single band antennas (current accepted models) Dual polarisation possible MHA possible Small risk for intermodulation Reliable antenna measurement Usable now Extra feeders needed Extra antennas for the other band

2.4.1. DB Site Configuration 2

GSM 999

GSM 9999

GSM 900 / 1800 Diplexers

GSM 900 / 1800 Diplexers

Main

Div.

DB BTS or Separate BTSs

Figure 5. Site Configuration 2. The above site configuration is available the earliest 12/98. It has the following properties: Single band antennas (current models) Dual polarisation possible Less feeders, less antennas Requires GSM 900 / 1800 diplexers High risk for intermodulation MHA not currently possible (separate DC needed) Antenna measurement not reliable Extra antenna still for the other band

2.4.2. Site Configuration 3

D al b d d al u an u p larisatio o n an n ten a

MA Hs o tio a p nl

Figure 6. Site configuration 3. The above site configuration is available the earliest 1/99. It has the following properties: No extra antennas = dual band dual polarisation antennas used No diplexers -> small risk for intermodulation Small losses MHA possible Reliable antenna measurement Requires many feeders

2.4.3. Site Configuration 4

Dual Band Dual Polarisation Antenna

GSM 900 / 1800 Diplexers

GSM 999
Main Div.

GSM 9999

Figure 7. Site configuration 4. It has the following properties: No extra antennas Fast roll out Dual band dual polarisation antennas, internal diplexers

Less feeders Requires diplexers High risk for intermodulation Maximum input power of the antenna maybe too low for big TRX configurations (8+8) High Capacity BSC A large capacity BSC offers an efficient way to manage both GSM900 and GSM1800 cells. When the cells of the both bands are located under the same BCS more efficient traffic management strategies can be used.

2.5.

2.6.

High Capacity MSC The high capacity MSC offers enough capacity to handle the systems of both bands under the same MSC.

2.7.

Planning Tool Network planning tool supports both separate band and dual band planning as follows: Coverage planning Capacity planning Adjacent Cells generation Frequency Allocation Interference Analysis. Sites can have cells from different bands. The cells are band (system) specific. Adjacent cells can be generated from both bands. Each band has its own set of parameters and propagation models. The combined coverage can be displayed from both systems at the same time.

3.

COVERAGE PLANNING STRATEGIES Depending on the requirements, there are a wide variety of structures of dual band NW that may be implemented. As dual band can be used with other features such as micro cells, separate indoor cells, Vendor specific solution (in both 900 and 1800 bands) etc, the possible NW structures are numerous. However the different coverage types can be classified to mainly two types: Continuous or Non-Continuous coverage. The coverage can be constructed by using macro, micro, pico or indoor cells.

3.1.

Non-Continuous GSM1800 Coverage Typically the operator with a dual band licence starts to build the GSM 1800 network on top of the GSM 900 network. The actual strategy on how to build the coverage depends greatly on the subscriber behaviour, the available bandwidth and also the site availability.

3.1.1. GSM 1800 Picocells and Microcells One strategy to implement GSM 1800 network is to implement it where it is really needed for hot spot capacity improvement i.e. a GSM1800 micro/pico cellular layer implemented with a GSM900 macro layer (a GSM900 micro layer could also already be implemented). In this case the GSM1800 layer would provide for example in building coverage and an increased capacity in small high density areas (this is ideal for e.g. wireless office type of solutions). The advantages here are that the 1800 cells can be planned largely independently of the 900 layer. Thus the in building coverage can be optimised, rather than being limited by the problems of the leakage interfering with the external GSM NW. Also this kind of deployment can be done where the capacity is really needed making it a cost efficient solution to start the dual band deployment.
GSM999 Macrocells plus GSM9999 Micro/Pico cells

GSM900 Macro GSM1800 Micro/Pico cells

Figure 8. Use of GSM1800 picocells and microcells. The disadvantage of this type of solution is that only dual band users benefit from the increased coverage, this is fine where the mobile population is static and can easily be identified for migration e.g. in the mentioned office environment. However, where the mobile population is transitory, for example a railway station, it may be less beneficial (unless dual band is specifically marketed as an improved coverage service). Other disadvantages of this solution are that this strategy causes higher amount of inter-band handovers and the actual capacity increase in the network is more difficult to estimate. Shortly, the advantages and disadvantages of the solution: Fast and cost efficient rollout (according to the real capacity needs) Optimised interference and coverage Only DB users benefit from the additional coverage and capacity High amount of inter-band handovers

3.1.2. Co-Located Sites Often the operator wants to utilise the existing GSM900 sites particularly if the sites are large enough to accommodate additional hardware. The co-location of GSM900/1800 equipment minimises the site acquisition costs and enables usually a fast roll-out of the GSM1800 service due to the obvious benefits of having a ready site with transmission connections.

This kind of strategy is often used in city centre areas where new site availability is more limited (and where usually the additional capacity is still needed). Most of the vendors integrated dual band BTS is ideally suitable for this kind of solutions enabling the fastest possible roll-out due to the possibility to use also the same BTS cabinet for both GSM900 and GSM1800 TRXs. This solution has mainly the following points to be considered: Fast roll-out Saving in site costs and acquisition time Infrastructure and site support systems are shared and can be used for GSM900 and GSM1800 BTSs (depending on their capacity). Saving on periodic maintenance visits Saving in transmission costs Continuous GSM1800 coverage may not be achieved, particularly if the GSM900 coverage is only adequate (However, if the site density is high enough, continuous coverage can be achieved) If the coverage is not continuous, other disadvantages mentioned in the previous case are also valid (e.g. increased amount of inter band handovers) Usually indoor coverage still requires additional GSM1800 sites due to penetration difference compared to GSM 900

3.1.3. Co-Located Sites and GSM900 Micro/Picocells

In this case GSM1800 HW is co-sited with existing GSM900 macro sites at capacity hot spots with GSM900 micro/pico cells used to provide enhanced in building coverage where needed. From the capacity point of view, the aim of this strategy is to reduce the number of micro/pico cells needed in the capacity enhancement such that they are only used where the improved in-building coverage is needed - rather than for capacity. The disadvantage of this approach is a more complicated traffic management and parameterisation. 3.2. Continuous GSM1800 Coverage In order to get the maximum benefit of the dual band system and in order to avoid unnecessary inter band handovers, the operators usually sooner or later improve the GSM1800 coverage to be seamless in those areas where it is needed. This can be done for example by starting the GSM 1800 roll-out by co-locating the GSM1800 macroBTSs with GSM900 macroBTSs and using GSM1800

GSM 900 GSM1800

microcellular solution to cover the holes in the coverage. This solution avoids most of the problems mentioned in the previous examples and is also a preferred solution in a multivendor dual band network if geographical separation of the two dual band networks is not possible. Having a seamless GSM1800 coverage enables the operator to fully utilise the additional band by keeping the dual band subscribers in the 1800 band continuously in the areas where additional capacity is needed thus reducing the traffic load in the GSM900 cells. Also in this case the operators can provide adequate service for the roaming GSM1800 subscribers.

4. 4.1.

DIFFERENT NETWORK STRATEGIES GSM900 and 1800 Cells under Same BSC This network strategy is the most recommended when regarding the costs of building the network, support of the BSS features and management and optimization of the network;

Common transmission link Interband handover = intra BSC handover = shorter and more reliable handover Fully utilizes the advanced BSS features and traffic management Easy network management 4.2. GSM900 and 1800 Cells under Different BSCs This approach is normally used if the GSM900 BSC capacity is not adequate to add GSM1800 cells. The following items must be considered in this approach; Feasible network management High BSC capacity Requires extra MUX to use common Abis links Interband handover = inter BSC handover -> Increase in A-interface signalling load Some advanced BSS features in traffic management and monitoring cannot be used GSM900 and 1800 Cells under Different MSCs This approach is normally used in a multivendor environment where different vendors provide the BSSs for different bands. Also the lack in MSC capacity can lead to this kind of solution. The following items can be highlighted in this approach; High BSC and MSC capacity Extra transmission capacity needed Interband handover = inter MSC handover -> Increase in A-interface and MSCMSC signalling load Some advanced BSS features in traffic management and monitoring cannot be used Planning co-ordination more challenging CDW / NDW is needed to manage both vendors network in a centralised manner

4.3.

However, more specific tools can be used in the multi vendor case for adjacency database. It can get the neighbouring cell parameters of the other vendor border areas automatically from OMC database. It might be the easiest solution for border area neighbouring cell planning and for gathering the data.

5.

PARAMETER PLANNING AND OPTIMISATION The challenges of the actual parameter planning of a multivendor network are largely dependent on the complexity of the network configuration and structure. When simpler and uniform structures like continuous GSM1800 coverage are used, these challenges are greatly reduced. The main DB specific parameters to be defined are the following; Neighbour cell definitions Parameters for traffic management between the layers (idle and dedicated mode) An issue to take into account is the management of the parameters of the neighbouring cells implemented with different equipment and of different vendors. The cell adjacencies in both cells need to be matched to each other. Without a proper network management solution this is not possible, hence the potential for mismatch and errors exist, particularly when re-tuning the network.

5.1.

Neighbour Cell Definition There are basically many ways how the neighbour cell definition can be done; Manually (The most practical in the simple NW structure) Neighbour generation in the planning tool Neighbour generation by using a network measurement tool

5.1.1. Neighbour Generation in Planning Tool Planning tool can support both GSM900 and GSM1800 cells within the same plan. Neighbour definitions between the GSM900 and GSM1800 cells can be made automatically. The definition process may contains the following steps: The GSM900 site data is imported into Tool according to the other vendors records (note, this method relies on the accuracy of the other vendors records). Depending on the support from the other vendors system it may be possible to output the current GSM900 network configuration from the other vendors network management system.

The GSM900 propagation model in the Tool is tuned GSM900 and GSM1800 coverage is calculated by Tool Inter-band neighbour definitions are made with Tool The GSM1800 neighbour definitions for the GSM900 network are transferred to the GSM900 vendors network. 5.1.2. Neighbour Generation by Network Measurement Tools Where accurate records of the GSM900 vendors network are not available, or it is not possible to generate the current network configuration from the other vendors network management system, it is necessary to generate the neighbour list using the field measurements. The procedure will be generally as follows: Both GSM900 and GSM1800 networks are operational, but without any neighbour cells defined between the bands. Drive Test Tool is used with both a GSM900 and GSM1800 mobiles simultaneously connected (or GSM900/1800 DB mobile). Drive tests are made in the dual band area. During the tests Drive test tool collects the position information (from GPS) and the serving and neighbour cell information from both bands. The measurements are analysed and the interband neighbour definitions created (at a certain location the signal strength of the GSM900 serving cell and the GSM1800 cells can be seen). 5.1.3. Strategy for Neighbour Definition 5.2. Traffic Management Features A GSM900/1800 dual band network requires functionalities which enable the management of the different subscriber types (single band GSM900, single band GSM1800, dual band GSM900/1800). In order to make a maximum use of the additional capacity provided by a dual band network, dual band users must be carefully managed between the bands. The strategy must be to optimise the availability and call quality for all users. This is achieved by managing the dual band mobiles between the GSM900 and GSM1800 cells (micro / macro). This can either be done in an idle mode, during a call set up (on SDCCH) or during a call. The operator also has to be able to manage different kinds of subscriber type / mobile type profiles in the billing and charging, so that different service packages with different tariffs can be created based on used service and mobile type (Subscriber Segmentation in Dual Band). 5.2.1. Features Used in Idle Mode The C1 and C2 criteria can be used to force a dual band MS to camp on a specific cell when the mobile is in an idle mode. The C2 parameter can be used for example to force the dual band mobiles to favour the GSM1800 cells in idle mode, even though they may have a lower signal level than the GSM900 cells. This simply gives a fixed signal level offset to the GSM1800 signal level received by the mobile when it is deciding which cell to camp on.

The problem with using C2 is that the offset is fixed. This may result in the mobile camping on a barely acceptable GSM1800 carrier even though a far better, and possibly empty, GSM900 carrier exists. This results in a less than an optimum call quality. However, by setting a high enough value for the minimum access level for the cell, this kind of problem can be partly avoided. A new feature, Localised Service Area (LSA), is in the process of standardisation as part of GSM phase 2+, which will allow cells to be given a different priority for different users in idle mode. The C1 and C2 equations are presented in ETSI TS 05.08 and the use is explained in ETSI TS 03.22. It is important to remember that C2 use requires a PHASE 2 mobile support, which all the dual band MSs have. 5.2.1.1. C1 and C2 Equations

Equation 1. C1 = (A - MAX(B,0)) where : and : A = Average received LEVEL - RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN B = MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH - P RXLEVEL_ACCESS_MIN is the minimum downlink received level required to access the cell (BTS parameter), MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH is the maximum TX power level the MS may in the cell (BTS parameter), P is the maximum RF output power of the MS (fixed for each

MS).

All the values are expressed in dBm. The path loss criterion is satisfied when C1 > 0 (GSM 03.22). Equation 2. C2 = C1 + CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET TEMPORARY_OFFSET* H(Penalty_Time - T) for Penalty_Time <> 11111 Equation 3. C2 = C1 - CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET for Penalty_Time = 11111 0 for x < 0 i.e. Penalty_Time < T 1 for x 0 i.e. Penalty_Time T

where : H(x) =

T is a timer started from 0 when the cell is appeared on the list of the 6 strongest BCCH frequencies of MS.

5.2.1.2. How to Use C1 and C2 in Dual Band Environment All the parameters involved in these equations are cell specific and they are sent within the Sys_info messages on the BCCH. The MS uses the C1 criterion in order to camp on the cells according to the received power levels and minimum access levels of the cells. Then by using the C2 criterion, the MS will camp again in another cell set to look more attractive by the operator, where it will start a call set-up. The method proposed here to set C2 parameter is based on the difference in a cell of following values: GSM parameter RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN; Propagation behavior; EIRP. 5.2.1.2.1. CellReselectOffset (GSM1800, micro, CellReselectOffset RxLev_Access_Min, to camp in. CellReselectOffset

is used to give a higher priority to the wanted cell etc.). To ensure the camping to the right cell the should be set higher than the difference in Propagation and EIRP between the cells (="delta" offset)

The "delta" offset is calculated like: Equation 4. (Celltype 1 Celltype 2) = Celltype = RxLev_Access_Min + Propagation + EIRP Where: Propagation is normally set to 10 dB in favor of 900 MHz cells. Another value can be used based on the propagation difference measurements. 5.2.1.2.2. Temporary Offset and Penalty Time

The Penalty Time is used when the microcells are present to ensure that only slow moving mobiles would camp in the microlayer. It means that during the Penalty Time microcell will have lower priority to be selected in order to get enough measurement results (to see if the MS is moving slow or fast). After the Penalty Time, the microcell then will become selected if slow moving MS. A proposed value is 20 sec. Temporary Offset is used to change the priority of the cell selection for the Penalty Time (e.g. microcell). 5.2.1.2.3. Example of C2 Strategy

The following assumtions have been done:

 3 layers network; Macro 900, micro 900, Macro 1800, the highest priority for slow moving mobiles to the microcell, the second priority to the 1800 cells (fast moving mobiles). For the sake of understanding, the following values maybe extreme and a fine tuning might be required on an existing network. Assuming the following example values for RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN: RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN -110 dBm -98 dBm -95 dBm

M900 M1800 900

(M900 M1800) = 12 + 10 + 5 = 27 dB (M900 900) = 15 + 0 + 20 = 35 dB (M1800 900) = 3 10 + 15 = 18 dB where Propagation M900 M1800 = + 10 dB, Propagation M1800 - 900 = -10 dB. Depending on the priority set for each layer, CellReselectOffset can be calculated. To ensure the camping to the wanted cell, CellReselectOffset should be set bigger than "delta" offset between the canditate cells. The C2 parameter planning could proceed according to the following steps:

1. In this example, the 2nd priority was given to the M1800 cell -> M1800
cell should be set to look at least 27 dB stronger than M1900 cell, which has the lowest priority. CellReselectOffset can be set to 30 dB. 2. The 1st priority was set to the 900 cell -> 900 cell should be set to look at least 18 dB stronger than the 2nd priority cell M1800 and 35 dB stronger than M900 cell (MAX (30dB + 18dB), 35dB). CellReselectOffset can be set to 60 dB. 3. Because fast moving MSs are not wanted to be camped in the 900 cell, the Penalty Time and the Temporary Offset parameters must be used. Penalty Time can be set to 20 seconds and Temporary Offset to 60 dB to cancel the effect of the CellReselectOffset parameter of the 900 cell during the penalty time.

Table 2. Example of the C2 parameters.

Priorit y highest lowest

Cell type 900 M1800 M900

CellResOff 60 dB 30 dB 0 dB

PenaltyTim e 20 sec. 20 sec. 20 sec.

TempOffse t 60 dB 0 dB 0 dB

RxLevAccessMi n -95 dBm -98 dBm -110 dBm

During the Penalty Time, the highest priority is given to the M1800 the 2 nd priority to the M900 layer. Microcell layer is not selected because of high TempOffset value to insure that the fast moving MS stays in the macrocell layer. After the Penalty Time, the microcell layer has the highest priority for slow moving mobiles. The second priority is given to the M1800 layer (fast moving mobiles). 5.2.2. Features During Call Setup If the call can be transferred from a GSM900 cell to a GSM1800 cell during the call set-up (i.e. on SDCCH) less of the GSM900 capacity will be wasted than first setting up the call on the GSM900 layer and then transferring it to a GSM1800 cell. Mechanisms for initiating the SDCCH handover are Direct Access to the Desired Layer feature in S8 or normal Directed Retry. 5.2.3. Direct Access to the Desired Layer The existing priority and load factor concept can be used together with the Direct Access to the Desired Layer feature. The call can be directed during the call setup to the layer of having the highest priority, e.g. 1800 layer. By using the load factors, it is possible to prevent to block the layer which has the highest priority. If the load increases over the predefined threshold new priorities will be calculated to favour for the less occupied layer. The following parameters are related to the Direct Access to the Desired Layer feature. .. 5.2.3.1. Directed Retry Directed retry redirects MS in a congested situation to attempt to access another cell from a pre-defined list. The target cells are ranked in order of signal level and the best is chosen for handover. 5.2.4. Features Used During Call Almost all the vendors use handover types which can be used to transfer the traffic between the bands. It will depend on the NW structure which are the most suitable in each case. The suggested handover types are given below: 5.2.4.1. PBGT Handover PBGT handovers are normally used to keep the calls inside one layer. The idea is to keep the mobile in the strongest cell 5.2.4.2. Radio Reason Handovers

The level and quality handovers are normally used as safety HOs to transfer the traffic back from the GSM1800 or micro layer to the GSM900 layer in a bad quality/level situation.

The level and quality handovers target all kinds of cell, without any relation to the cell layer. However, the prioritisation can be used with RR HOs to give a higher priority for a certain layer or cells. 5.2.4.3. Umbrella Handover

5.2.4.4.

Fast Moving MS Handling and MS Speed Detection

5.2.4.5.

Handover Priorities and Load Management

When several layers of cells exist in the network e.g. 900 macro, 900 micro and 1800 macro, to achieve the maximum capacity it is necessary to balance the load between the layers For example, for the Nokia system, coverage from a GSM900 macro cell, GSM900 micro cell and a GSM1800 macro cell are overlapping. The mobile is being served by the GSM900 macro cell but has acceptable (from an RF point of view) handover candidates to both GSM900 micro cell and GSM1800 macro cell.
GSM1800 Macro GSM900 Micro GSM900 Macro

Figure 9. Handover canditates for GSM900 macro cell. The cell parameters are given in the following Table 3. Table 3. Example of HO priority and load factors. HO Canditate 900 Micro 1800 Macro Ho Priority Level 2 4 Load Ho Load Factor 1 3 Load Threshol d 70% 70% New Priorit y 2 1

60% 80%

From the RF measurements point of view, the GSM900 micro cell would be the best candidate. However, the HO Priority Level of the 1800 cell is higher -> that becomes as the higher handover candidate. But the 1800 cell is already overloaded - so its priority level will get reduced by the HO Load Factor -> the highest priority becomes to the 900 micro cell which will be chosen for handover. The Load Management is proceeded in the BSC for MS entering a target cell. To trigger a handover for load reason in the serving cell (Traffic Reason HO, another feature), MSC support is needed.

Priorities and load factors are set on a cell adjacency basis and can be set for a whole layer. 5.2.4.6. Automatic Multilayer Handling

5.3.

Traffic Management between Network Layers The Operator can choose different ways to implement the dual band cells in the network. This choice influences also the strategy to be used for handling the MS between the bands. Different strategies are presented and explained.

5.3.1. Two Layers Dual Band Network This first strategy is the simplest one to use. It works when the network uses only 2 layers, meaning here a GSM900 macro layer and a GSM1800 macro layer. The GSM 1800 layer is defined as a LOWER layer for the GSM 900 layer, and the handovers used are:

Power Budget

GSM 900

Umbrella HO

Radio Reasons

GSM1800
Power Budget
Figure 10: Two layers network In this strategy, we assume that there are only two layers in the network, meaning that microcells are not defined as another lower layer. 5.3.2. Three Layers Network A three layer network means 2 macro layers, 900 and 1800, and one micro layer, 900 or 1800.

The traffic management strategy must be chosen to push the dual band MS towards the layers which offer more capacity and have a better quality. Normally, that kind of layers are the 1800 layer or micro layer. The 900 macro layer is seen as a collector layer, where the calls are set up. Then during the call, they are routed by following the chosen strategy (the selection of the right layer can also be done during the IDLE mode by using C2 parameter). 5.3.3. Traffic Management in Multivendor Environment In a multivendor dual band network, the handovers within each vendor's band are performed normally as they would be done in a single band network. Regarding the handovers from the Nokia BSS to vendor X's BSS, the situation is similar compared to a single band multivendor network situation. All the basic Nokia BSS handover features can be used except some of the more sophisticated Nokia features, like IUO and MS Power Optimization in handovers. Also the features that require the Nokia BSS to have the knowledge of the target cell (other vendors MSC and/or BSS), might not fully work like priorisation, traffic load control, MS speed detection, intelligent retry. Handovers from the vendor X BSS cells to Nokia BSS cells depend on the other vendors BSS handover features and system capabilities. The Nokia BSS features that can be used in a multivendor environment are at least the following: C1 and C2 (to direct dual band MS to the GSM1800 cells in idle mode) Direct Retry with some limitations Basic HO functionalities (RX level, quality, interference, distance based handovers) Power budget HO (inside a layer) Umbrella handover (between the layers) Adjacent cell priorities in priorising microcells and macrocells (Nokia -> other vendor OK, other vendor -> Nokia requires support from other vendors, load information doesnt normally work) Rapid field drop handover IUO with certain limitations (reporting) Fast Moving Mobile with some limitations However, by carefully planning the network, Nokias advanced features can be efficiently utilised in the areas where Nokia GSM900 or 1800 band more continuous coverage, thus gaining the additional benefits in those areas. 5.4. Single BCCH Single (common) BCCH is a feature candidate for Nokia BSS with S10 software version. It will allow to have TRXs from both bands inside the same cell. 5.4.1. Advantages Configuration management

One of the best advantage of the feature is that the operator will have twice less cells and four times less adjacency relations to manage. Parameter setting will be easier to implement. Idle mode With this feature, the speed of the cell selection can be increased. If we use only one band for BCCH frequencies, by limiting the BA RANGE to the frequencies of that band, the dual band MS will start its scanning only on those channels. This will improve a lot the speed for accessing the network. Normally dual band handsets have 124 + 374 channels to scan. Also C2 parameters will not be useful anymore for the 1800 layer. Dedicated mode The number of the intercell handovers will be reduced. 5.4.2. Drawbacks Configuration management New parameters will appear overall on the TRX level. Dedicated mode The 1800 coverage is never measured by the MS but only evaluated by the BSC according to the parameters that have been set by the operator. If the margin is safe, the quality is ensured on the 1800 TRXs but the 1800 traffic handling is not maximum. On the contrary, if the margin is too low, the 1800 traffic absorption is good but there is a risk to have a bad quality on the 1800 TRXs. This margin needs a fine tuning. 5.5. Optimisation The normal procedures for network optimisation are valid in dual band like in single band networks. In addition, the network structure can cause some new details to be considered.

6.

CONCLUSION It can be seen from the above explanation that there can be many different Strategies, Configurations, Topologies and Equipment types used in the DB network, which if not planned and optimised properly may effect the performance of the network. 1. The dual Band networks use 900 and 1800MHz bands and both of the frequency bands have different propagation characteristics. 2. The optimisation of the DB network requires a lot of expertise. 3. 1800MHz Band has more losses and thus mixing both the networks may increase the problems manifold if the networks are not planned carefully. 4. Cell Distribution/cell layers should be such that it should cater to the traffic needs of a region without any coverage holes and congestion. 5. Installation and commissioning of the DB networks is to be done very carefully or else there will be lot of problems which are not easy to find out during the optimisation, like sector sweep, VSWR Issues etc. 6. Antenna selection should be done carefully as it may change the whole strategy of operator. Either two Single Band Antennas separate BCCH for both bands or with Single Dual Band antenna Single BCCH strategy or single Dual Band Antenna with two BCCH for both the bands. 7. The structure becomes more complex in the multivendor environment. 8. Frequency Planning needs more attention, expertise and care. 9. There are a lot of parameters which can improve the performance of the DB network if set properly. 10. Depending upon the Strategy used the parameters for Handover, Power Control and Adjacencies need to be defined and optimised, which are very critical for the better network health, KPI improvement and finally customer retention. 11.Once the network is optimised and performing well then it is easy to provide more advanced services like GPRS and EDGE. 12.In Order to improve this complex network performance, very good planning tools like Asset, Drive test Tools like TOM/TEMS and post processing tool like Optima are needed.